Nocturne Cycliste de Dun-le-Palestel

Sixty years of professional cycling in Creuse

The Nocturne Cycliste de Dun-le-Palestel, officially named Professional Nighttime Cycling Criterium, is a major sporting event in Creuse that celebrated its 60th edition in 2025. Created in 1965, this criterium has established itself as a must-attend event on the French cycling calendar, scheduled a few weeks after the Tour de France to attract riders who distinguished themselves on the Grande Boucle.

A nighttime circuit in the heart of the city

The race takes place on a 1,500-meter circuit laid out in the streets of the town center of Dun-le-Palestel, which professional and amateur riders complete fifty times under the night lights. The special atmosphere of an evening race, with the lighting and the crowd gathered along the circuit, gives this event a unique spectacular and festive dimension in Creuse.

Tour de France Champions in Dun

Since its creation, the Dun-le-Palestel criterium has hosted the biggest names in French and international cycling. Thomas Voeckler, Jacky Durand, Sylvain Chavanel, and Tony Gallopin — a multiple winner — are among the champions who have raced on the Dun circuit. In 2024, it was Paul Lapeira, the reigning French champion, who won the 59th edition in front of over 10,000 spectators, confirming the attractiveness of this event that mobilizes between 10,000 and 12,000 people each year.